But his progress could have been halted if the Argentine, who has helped a host of young English players break through to the senior ranks, had let him go to France last season.

The Daily Mail has revealed that Nice, who finished third in Ligue One last season with the help of Mario Balotelli’s goals, wanted to take him there but had their loan swoop rejected by the North London side.

Winks went on to make 21 Premier League appearances last season but has only got a total of 121 minutes of top-flight action under his belt this term.

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Harry Kane has come through the Spurs ranks to become a star of the England teamCredit: Rex Features

“If you get called up, who knows? I trust my ability and believe I am good enough to play at this level.

“All I can do is keep performing for Tottenham. It’s a long way away and I can’t think about it yet.”

Winks said he was “in shock” when he got the call-up to the full England side.

And in a further sign that the Hertfordshire lad has been helped by staying at Spurs instead of going out on loan to get more game time, he added: “I didn’t believe it. Then the Under-21s manager took me to see Gareth and luckily it all went well.

“The Spurs lads have really helped me settle in. It’s a little bit daunting seeing all these boys but they have all been fantastic. It’s been a great week for me.”